Story & Lesson Highlights with Shaleiah Sanders of Charlotte

Shaleiah Sanders shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Shaleiah, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
As the CEO of Life for the Hopeless Foundation, what I am most proud of building that often goes unseen is the strong, supportive culture within our organization. While our visible accomplishments—the programs, outreach initiatives, and community impact—are significant, the foundation of our success lies in the relationships we foster and the resilience we cultivate within our team.

I have dedicated myself to creating an environment where every member feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute their best. This includes mentoring volunteers, encouraging creativity, and emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being. The growth and dedication of our team ultimately translate into better outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve. Although this foundation may not be immediately visible to the outside world, it is what sustains our mission and drives our impact every day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Shaleiah Sanders, the founder and CEO of Life for the Hopeless Foundation, a nonprofit organization I established nearly five years ago. My passion for advocating mental health awareness stems from a desire to break the stigma and foster understanding within our communities.

At Life for the Hopeless Foundation, we prioritize creating an inclusive environment where individuals can openly discuss their mental health challenges without fear of judgment. Our programs and initiatives focus on providing essential resources, support groups, and educational opportunities that empower individuals to seek help and share their stories.

What makes our foundation unique is our unwavering dedication to building a supportive community where everyone feels heard and valued. Through our work, we strive to ensure that mental health is recognized as a vital aspect of overall well-being. Together, we are paving the way for a future where hope and healing are within reach for all.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
One of the most influential relationships that shaped how I see myself was with my grandmother, who passed away in 2021. Her unwavering support and love instilled in me a deep sense of self-worth and purpose. She always believed in my potential, even when I doubted myself, and her encouragement motivated me to pursue my passions.

From her, I learned the importance of resilience, compassion, and the power of connection. She taught me to value kindness and to understand that personal struggles are often shared by others. Her wisdom and strength continue to guide me, especially in my role as the CEO of Life for the Hopeless Foundation.

In her memory, I strive to create a nurturing environment where others feel safe to share their stories and seek help. This relationship has profoundly shaped my identity, reminding me that our capacity to uplift and empower those around us is what truly defines our worth.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were moments during the early days of establishing Life for the Hopeless Foundation when I felt overwhelmed and considered giving up. The challenges of securing funding, building a trusted team, and navigating the complexities of nonprofit management weighed heavily on me. There were times when it seemed like the obstacles were insurmountable, and I questioned whether I could truly make a difference.

However, I reflected on the importance of perseverance and the mission to break the stigma around mental health, which was too important to abandon. I leaned on my support network, found inspiration in the stories of those we were helping, and dedicated myself to finding creative solutions.

That experience taught me the value of resilience and the importance of staying true to one’s purpose. Those challenging moments ultimately reinforced my commitment to the foundation and reminded me that while the journey may be difficult, the impact we can have on others makes it all worthwhile.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would likely say that the most important thing to me is COMMUNITY. I have a deep passion for building connections and creating a supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. This is particularly true in the realm of mental health, where I am dedicated to breaking the stigma and fostering open discussions.

They would also highlight my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others through my nonprofit work at Life for the Hopeless Foundation. My friends know that I truly believe in the power of community to uplift and empower those around us.

Additionally, they would mention my dedication to personal growth and continuous learning, as I strive to better myself in order to lead more effectively and inspire others. Ultimately, they would convey that my core values revolve around community, compassion, and the conviction that everyone deserves a chance to heal and thrive.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is one of compassion, resilience, and a relentless commitment to fostering community and understanding, particularly around mental health. I want to be remembered as someone who dedicated their life to breaking the stigma associated with mental health issues and who created a safe space for individuals to share their experiences without fear of judgment.

I hope people will share how my work with Life for the Hopeless Foundation transformed lives and instilled hope in those who felt hopeless. I want my legacy to reflect not just the accomplishments of the organization, but also the genuine connections I fostered along the way.

Ultimately, I hope the story told about me is one of empowerment. Showing that I believed in the potential of others and supported them in their journeys toward healing and fulfillment. I want to be remembered as a passionate advocate who inspired change and encouraged dialogue, leaving behind a world that is more understanding and compassionate toward mental health.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lifeforthehopeless.org
• Instagram: Life For The Hopeless Foundation
• Facebook: Life For The Hopeless Foundation